Laura Parkin

Run 50k in May 2026

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I’m running 50k in May for families facing baby loss

I'm running 50k in May for every much-loved baby sadly not here today.

Sands ensure that everyone affected by the loss of a baby gets the support they need and deserve when facing the toughest of times. They campaign for change, provide training for midwives and healthcare professionals, and support research so that fewer babies die and so that less families experience the tragedy of losing their baby. Anything you are able to donate means so much.

Thank you.

My Activity Tracking

25
kms

My target 50 kms

My Achievements

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Donated to myself

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Received First Donation

First walk logged

Received 10 donations

Increased Fundraising Target

Completed 100km

My Updates

My Blueberry

Thursday 30th Apr
Anybody who knows me knows I avoid exercise at pretty much all costs 😅  
So signing myself up to do 50k in May is… a bit wild.

But this isn’t about fitness. This is something really close to my heart.

Some of you know that I had a miscarriage with my first baby. What most of you won’t know is just how much it broke me.  
After I found out, when Ben went to work, I’d spend my days trying to numb the pain however I could.

And the truth is — I turned to alcohol.  
Anyone who knows me knows I never drink. I never have. It’s just not something I’ve ever enjoyed.  
But in that moment, it felt like the only way out. The only way to try and quiet everything I was feeling.

It felt like everything I’d ever dreamed of had just disappeared overnight.

All I had ever wanted was to be a mum. And after such a long, emotional road to getting pregnant, from the moment I saw that positive test, I’d already imagined everything — the memories, the love, the life we’d have together.

I remember rushing out of work to buy a tiny pair of Converse to surprise Ben. Those little shoes are still tucked away in a memory box in my wardrobe.  
That tiny little “blueberry” was so, so loved.

I remember talking about it once and almost feeling embarrassed saying I was “only” 12 weeks.  
But someone said something to me that has always stayed with me:  
it doesn’t matter how far along you were — you loved that baby, and you’re allowed to grieve.

And they were right.

Even now, writing this, it still hurts. And although I now have my beautiful boys, that loss has stayed with me. It changed me. It brought anxiety I still carry every day.

I can’t begin to imagine the pain of losing a baby later in pregnancy or at full term. My heart goes out to every single parent who has experienced that kind of loss.  
If you’ve been through it — I see you, and I understand that ache that never fully goes away.

That’s why I’ve decided to do 50k in May for SANDS — a charity that supports families through baby loss.

I’ve gone back and forth about sharing this because it still feels so raw. But if speaking about it helps even one person feel less alone, or helps support a family going through it right now, then it’s worth it.

So I’m asking, if you can, to donate — no matter how small — to an incredible cause that means so much to me 🤍

Thank you for reading, and for your support. It really does mean everything.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£53.32

Nigel Green

Lots of love to all and ace the challenge

£53.32

Jodie Mcardle

Wishing you luck and love

£32.23

Louise R

You’ve got this Laura, inspirational x Really proud of you and for such a great cause too.

£27.05

Laura Parkin

£25

Janette P

Keep going Laura well done

£20

Ruth Chapman

£11.33

Ash O’callaghan

Well done Laura.

£11.33

Kay

You will Smash this! Amazing thing to do!

£11.33

Anonymous

Get those little legs moving!

£11.33

Harry Moore

Good luck!

£11.33

Sue Gladwin

Well done! You will smash it. X

£10

Emma Clarkson

£10

Andrew Wood

£10

Anonymous

Hope the 50k goes well in supporting SANDS a very worthy cause. ♥️

£10

Lottie

Good luck! ♥️

£10

Caroline Bassett

Go Laura!! You got this!!! 💪🤍

£5

Emma Green

Great cause! Well done x

£5

Paula Foster

£5

Becki

You've got this Laura! I hope you find a new passion and enjoy getting the miles in 🩷